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Gold expects no takeover at Birmingham before season start

Birmingham chairman David Gold has admitted there was "a greater likelihood" the current owners will still be in charge of Blues next season.

A mystery Far East businessman is interested in taking control from Gold, his brother Ralph and David Sullivan for around £50 million.

But Gold insisted selling up would only happen if it were in "the very best interests" of City who have become a more attractive commodity since returning to the Premier League.

Gold told radio station BBC WM: "I have got to confess that I am not a willing seller but that doesn't mean to say that if I thought it was in the best interests of the football club, then I would not look at the options.

"We have never had interested parties I felt could do a better job than we could do. Now, with these hugely wealthy people coming in - and I am talking about billionaires - they are more capable.

"You only have to look at the clubs who have been taken over by them. You have got Aston Villa, West Ham.

"So sometimes the principals have to consider the broader picture, they have to consider the fans and what's in their best interests and sometimes that can lead you to make a decision to say it's time to move on.

"One hundred per cent, the only driving force would be if it was the very best interests of Birmingham City Football Club and the fans."

Gold added: "If you were to ask me the odds about anything happening, I would say the greater likelihood is that the Golds and David Sullivan would be here next season."